Chicago firm Wilkinson Blender has been featured on AT before. (Remember the ultra-cool, LEED-certified live/work space of Smog Veil Records? They did that.) They're great at making use of spaces that might otherwise be overlooked, so for outdoor month we thought we'd feature some of their rooftop garden projects. If you've got a rooftop that needs renovating, take notes...

In this Wisconsin condo, they carved out three courtyards and used wood paneling to line the exterior areas. The wood continues from inside the home into angular spaces that reflect the geometry of the building.

This is what the rooftop of Smog Veil Records looked like before it was renovated into an energy-efficient green roof.

On the renovated rooftop, photovoltaic panels create a canopy above the seating area, while green areas of the roof help to regulate temperature inside the house. See more of the home here.

Smog Veil Records (after)

The rooftop deck of this Wicker Park home includes a firepit, green roof, and built-in benches.

This area off a master bathroom makes use of a rooftop "sun room" with views of the city.